Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has reappointed state District 44 Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, to serve on the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee.
The committee provides advice and recommendations to the FCC on consumer matters as specified by the commission relating to the needs and interests of consumers.
The FCC specifies topics the committee may consider, which may include:
- Consumer protection and education
- Implementation of statutes, commission rules and policies to protect consumers
- Promoting consumer participation and input into FCC rule-making proceedings and other decision-making processes
- Reviewing the impact of new and emerging communications technologies on consumers, including those in underserved populations
In addition, the committee gathers data and information and performs analyses that are necessary to respond to the questions or matters before it.
The committee consists of a diverse mix of organizations and individuals representing consumers, the communications industry, government regulators, trade associations, academia and other stakeholders.
Koch chairs the Senate Committee on Utilities in Indiana, which has jurisdiction over state telecommunications issues.
District 44 includes all or portions of Jackson, Brown, Bartholomew, Monroe and Lawrence counties.